Pench National Park

Pench National Park is a protected area in Seoni district spanning Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, divided into two sections by the Pench River. The landscape consists of teak forests, open grasslands, and seasonal streams that wind through gentle hills.

The area received sanctuary status in 1977 and became a national park in 1983. Nine years later, it joined the Tiger Reserve program in 1992 to protect endangered big cats.

The surrounding forests of Seoni district served as inspiration for the setting of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book stories. Visitors can drive through the same landscapes where Mowgli and his animal companions roamed in literature.

Visitors can enter through the Turia and Karmajhiri gates, with guided safari tours available from October to June. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best chances to see wildlife in motion.

Alongside tigers, the territory hosts over 210 bird species, including the crested serpent eagle and black-hooded oriole. Waterholes often gather multiple animal species drinking simultaneously at sunset.

Location: Seoni district

Inception: 1977

Shares border with: Tumsar

Website: http://penchnationalpark.in

GPS coordinates: 21.67160,79.30330

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:29